"They didn't wait for the train to cross even though it was so close," Rashad told Egyptian radio.

Deadly rail and road accidents have become common in Egypt. Years of government neglect have left the country's rail system in a state of dilapidation, while railway workers rarely receive adequate training.

According to unofficial reports, most accidents occur at or near rail crossings, which are still operated manually.

The victims of Monday's crash had just returned from a wedding party, a security source said.